Jeremiah 49:16
The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks, who occupy the heights of the hill. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle’s, from there I will bring you down,’ declares the Lord.
Pride comes in all shapes and sizes. As a young boy during the dark days of World War II, I recall seeing the image of the Italian fascist leader, Benito Mussolini. He had his arms crossed and wore an arrogant expression. He was a proud man! Then I recall another picture of this evil man — it was of his dead body hanging upside down in a public square in Milan. His pride had ended!
As a Pastor of Discipleship and Evangelism at a large church, I was assigned a heavy counseling load. I recall a young college student who was so shy and withdrawn that she could hardly communicate. There had been abuse in her life and that could easily have been the source of her problem.
Weeks of counseling sessions seemed to be getting us no where fast. I prayed fervently for the wisdom to help her. At our next appointment I noticed that everything she said was directed at herself. Taking a risk, I stated that I knew what her problem was. She was stunned. I told her that I felt that she had pride in her life and needed to deal with it directly. She immediately confessed her sin of pride and left my office. It was the step that set her free.
You see, pride does not have to be in the form of a dictator or any other public figure. It can just as easily appear in the life of someone like you or me. The more we focus our attention upon ourselves, the greater the pride. Allow God to be the primary object you seek to please. NOT YOU, BUT HIM!
God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil